Vikings, In 1st Place, Gear Up To Host Seahawks In Big Game
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's an interesting game for the Vikings this week as they host the Seattle Seahawks at TCF Bank Stadium.
It's interesting because of who they play, and the fact that they're playing outdoors in December at home. The Vikings were reminded of what they are missing with Phil Loadholt back in town. The offensive tackle rehabbing his injured Achilles tendon.
"Staying positive and taking little steps at a time. I'm out of the boot now and walking around and I'm feeling good," Loadholt said.
The team has performed despite injuries. This week has implications, but that's what happens when you're in first place.
"Every week is better every game. You've got to prepare the right way and do things the right way so that's always fun," Stefon Diggs said. "Especially on Sundays."
Then there is the other team. Seattle's offense has been good enough to play in the past two Super Bowls, featuring Russell Wilson and others. But they're without top running back Marshawn Lynch and Jimmy Graham, one of the better tight ends in the NFL.
Wilson led the Seahawks to a win over the Steelers last week despite all the injuries.
"He's a great quarterback and we've got to treat him as such," Sharrif Floyd said. "You know, keep him in the pocket, keep him looking down field and not worrying about our front."
Then there is the other element that exists this season that will not exist next season: When the Vikings play December football at home, they will be playing it outdoors. For most of the players that grew up watching it, they relish that opportunity.
That's the nature of the game, that's the nature of the football player.
"Since you were young you've always known that later in the season it's going to get cold so that's kind of like some old school football movie type of thing," Antone Exum said. "The toughest guys will emerge, so I like it."
